November 3rd 2024.
It's been five long years since Quasi, the giant hand sculpture, took up residence on the roof of a Wellington art gallery, much to the astonishment of the city's inhabitants. This 16-foot creation, designed by the talented Ronnie van Hout, features a stern human face – a quirky addition that has puzzled and intrigued onlookers since its debut.
Last week, after causing waves of controversy and evoking a range of emotions, Quasi was finally taken down from its rooftop perch. The gallery announced that it was time for the sculpture to find a new home, much to the dismay of some and the relief of others.
Wellington council member Ben McNulty summed up the sentiment surrounding Quasi's departure, saying, "This is a day that will either be celebrated or mourned. There's no in-between." Personally, McNulty admits to feeling "devastated" by the news.
Quasi was created using a mix of steel, polystyrene, and resin, and was modeled after scans of van Hout's own hand and face. Its name is a nod to Victor Hugo's iconic character, Quasimodo, from "The Hunchback of Notre-Dame." The sculpture first made its debut in Christchurch in 2016 and quickly became a source of contention, with some calling for its removal.
In 2019, Quasi found a new home in Wellington, where it continued to divide opinions. McNulty recalls, "When it first arrived, I'd say about 80% of the city was asking, 'What on earth is this monster?'" But as time went on, the quirky sculpture became somewhat of a symbol for the city, with a growing group of supporters, including McNulty himself.
Last week, as Quasi was being prepared for its helicopter ride to its new location, many residents of Wellington's Civic Square, where the gallery is located, came out to bid farewell. Anja Porthouse, who had brought friends and family to see the sculpture, expressed her sadness at its departure, saying, "It's been such a staple of Wellington. We're going to miss it."
Van Hout, the artist behind Quasi, reflected on its time in Wellington, saying, "Everything has to come to an end eventually. I'm sure it will be missed, but even nightmares have to return to where they came from. Now, all you have is an absence to contemplate."
The news of Quasi's removal sparked a range of reactions on social media, with some expressing sadness, others feeling relieved, and many making jokes about the supposed curse that has been attributed to the sculpture.
For the past five years, Quasi has been a fixture in Wellington's skyline, perhaps serving as a symbol of the city's struggles with natural disasters, infrastructure issues, and political divisions. As the city's mayor, Tory Whanau, put it, "I think there's a strong feeling of relief in seeing it go somewhere else for a change."
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